We Do Not Lose Heart

2Corinthians 4:1  Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2  We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. 3  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4  In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5  For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.

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2Co 4:15  Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

2Co 4:16  So we do not lose heart.

Good leadership requires courage.

It requires the courage to live with what St Paul calls “the open statement of the truth” . This is difficult, because as fallible human beings we all make mistakes – (even illustrious leaders!) – and it is tempting to cover up our mistakes with lies, half-truths and denial. Paul invites us to turn from our own fragile egos and remember that “we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ”. This can be immensely liberating, because Jesus-followers are free to admit “the shameful things that one hides” and our dependence on Him. When we do so “we refuse to practice cunning” and instead “commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God”

Do not “lose heart’ when you see the corruption and the manipulation of the truth by other people.  Instead make the decision to become known for your own personal integrity. This is the beginning of good leadership.

A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.
- John Maxwell

My President Is Black
My Lambo's Blue
I Say My President Is Black
My Lord Is A Jew
The King Of Kings
He's Telling Us What To Do
My President Is Black
But Jesus Christ Rules

          Let Me Be Clear About Something Ya'll This Right Here Ain't A Dis Song
          This Song Isn't Even About My President's Race
          This Song Right Here Is About Government And The Role That It Plays 

          In God's Big Picture
          Aye Man One Day Jesus Christ Is Gonna Rule
          As The Final Governing Authority But Right Now He's Using Government

          For His Glory
          Ya'll Know What I'm Talking About Right Or Ya'll Can Read For Your Self 

         Though Romans 13

 Da'_T.R.U.T.H.

Fourth  Sunday of Easter

The Good Shepherd

The Scripture passage for the day is drawn from Rueben Job and Norman Shawchuck, A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and other Servants, (Nashville, The Upper Room 1983), 160.

This reflection is from my own devotional exercises for the day.